NHL analysts project optimism as Colorado Avalanche signs Brent Burns to strengthen blue line

Veteran defenseman Brent Burns has signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Colorado Avalanche, adding his experience and intense competitiveness to a team thirsty for a second Stanley Cup.

Brent Burns, who played last for the Carolina Hurricanes, is regarded for his high hockey IQ, physicality, and unparalleled love for the game. NHL Analysts are all praise for the veteran NHL star's leadership that will benefit the Colorado Avalanche.

NHL analyst praises Brent Burns, who can guide the Colorado Avalanche's star defense corps

The Colorado Avalanche's latest signing, Brent Burns, will now join forces with one of the NHL's strongest blue lines, led by Cale Makar and Devon Toews. The 2017 Norris Trophy winner comes with almost two decades of NHL experience, hoping to contribute in and out of the box as the Avalanche pursue another extended playoff push. Brent Burns played the last three years with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he had heavy minutes on a top-pairing with Jaccob Slavin. Brent Burns' first season in Carolina was productive, with 61 points (18 goals, 43 assists), but last season was down to only 29 points—a line that matched his lowest in more than a decade. Nevertheless, NHL commentators opine that Brent Burns' worth cannot be measured by sheer numbers.

NHL analyst Tony Loftman has recently labeled Burns as "timeless" and "a total hockey fanatic," citing his passion for the game and non-stop desire to play. "Timeless. The guy loves the game so much. People focus on the beard and perhaps miss out on the fact that he’s a total hockey fanatic... That's why he's still playing, still chasing the Cup. Obviously, that San Jose team in 2016 — he was such a vital piece," Tony Loftman said.

Co-analyst Stu Grimson reaffirmed this by praising his physical fitness and leadership. "I’ll tell you what — if you can add somebody like Brent Burns, here’s a guy who contributed 30-plus points from the blue line last year, took on important minutes, and is an absolute beast in terms of how he looks after himself," Stu Grimson stated.Also read: NHL star Brent Burns set to boost Colorado Avalanche defense in 2025-26Brent Burns' signing is a deliberate move on the part of the Colorado Avalanche to bring established experience to a top-shelf core that already was one of the best in the league. With a championship culture and plenty of gas remaining in the tank, Burns might be the missing element in taking Colorado's defense from good to legendary.